However, in response to the original context of this post, there is a serious issue in Liverpool at this time about the ownership of dangerous dogs, the status symbol they reflect, the fact that they are loose unrestrained in parks and that, yet, these dogs when returned to the home are supposed to suspend this natural aggressive behaviour and act kindly around children and others. If well treated, I believe that some dogs are able to respond to a loving , caring environment, but often I have witnessed these dogs kicked and punched out of frustrated and then the protagonists have been suprised by the power of their jaws when bitten.
As this is a serious thread, Rox, any thoughts welcome.
'Status' dogs are always going to become a problem because the owners have them for a specific reason. They want the toughest looking dog as this status symbol of how hard they are. I would argue that if you were that hard, you wouldn't need to physically abuse a dog and use them as a status symbol. They often use "choke-chains" to walk the dog, and half-strangle them with it when they 'misbehave'. The person who uses their dog as status is immediately sending the signal to the dog that they need to be defensive. The dog learns that everything around it is to be barked at, and defended against. Often, this reaction comes from fear, instilled by the owner.
The problem then is that you have a dog who has been conditioned by the owner to act in an aggressive way. With the right home and right stimulus, these dogs can be rehabilitated - because basically they need to put their trust in humans again. The control exerted over these animals is just for the power it gives the owner. Dogs love to know who is the boss, but it doesn't mean they should be beaten. They need guidance, and they need that responsibility to be aggressive taken off of their shoulders.
There are some breeds who can be predisposed to aggression, but by and large if the same puppy is brought up by a bad owner and a good owner, the difference is amazing.
Using physical means to chastise or train a dog is the refuge of someone with no clue how to deal with that dog. For example, the other week someone called because they'd been told by a professional Police Dog trainer that he could train this guy's collie, but he'd "have to break him first".
Unfortunately, some people aren't bright enough to engage with their dog and understand a particular breeds instincts, needs and personality. Collies make very bad guard dogs in the same way that a Chiuahua would not know how to round up sheep.
For some bizarre reason, we hold dogs to both a lower standard than we would expect of ourselves, and yet also a higher standard. On the one hand, we think that because we can own them, and they are 'possessions' they are lower than us in the pecking order, however, most people expect their dog to like every other dog it meets. We don't like every other person we meet, so why hold dogs to a higher standard?
The secret is to make sure that your dog is confident in you and your role as someone for them to look to and take instruction from. You want a dog to do stuff for you because they respect you and want to do it - not out of fear. We've helped dogs who have been beaten over a period of years, and been able to help them trust people again and become lovely family pets. The sad reality is that sometimes, people can abuse their dogs so much that it's impossible to help them.
Unfortuntely, the people who see dogs as status symbols don't have respect for their dog and treat them inappropriately which leads to the bad behaviour - and then they act all surprised when the dog bites and hurts someone.
There's no answer to this problem whilst just anyone can buy any dog they like.
Dog off its food last few weeks....is it due to the weather?.......and is there any alternative food I can try?....cheers 
Well, it could be the heat, but we need to narrow a few things down.
What are you feeding your dog at the moment?
Are they eating absolutely nothing, or just small amounts?
Is he/she drinking plenty of water?
Has your dog lost weight in the last few weeks?
Has your dog exhibited any odd behaviour in the last few weeks?
